St. John Leonard’s School

St. John Leonard’s Primary School is located in Mpigi District, a small town 20 miles from Kampala. It is an area affected by rural poverty, where nearly 10% of girls aged 12-17 have already given birth. In addition, there is a high level of disinterest in education and over 20% of people aged 18+ cannot read or write. Schooling, life-skills training, and engaging activities are key to getting these children and young people off the streets and setting them on the right path for a brighter future.

In 2016 Brass for Africa launched its first small music programme for 17 children in the school. Using music as a tool to engage, this project aims to address the gap between poverty and education and boost community development. Since then we have steadily grown our impact and now support some of the poorest residents within this community, who now have twice-weekly access to high quality, comprehensive and structured Music & Life-Skills education.

So far the impact on the pupils has been huge. The school headmaster reports higher attendance, enhanced student achievement and more positive parental involvement.